The Lakers (50-28) are back home where they will play three of their last four games of the season, starting with a rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16) on Tuesday.
Realistically speaking, Los Angeles looks to make this one a, at the very least, respectable matchup against the best team in the league.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Apr 7
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
Like any team that just two of its two best players, the Lakers are
currently in scramble mode, being left to figure out how to survive the tail end of the regular season. In their most recent frustrating loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the purple and gold gave a glimpse of how they’re handling their current situation and that involves requiring a handful of their role players to step up.
In doing so, Los Angeles’ successfully stayed afloat on offense. Luke Kennard had himself a triple-double, Rui Hachimura was efficient from all over the field while Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton provided ample contributions across the board. All things considered, it was a commendable effort.
However, the team’s defense was putrid. And it’s likely that they’re not going to win any of their remaining games if that holds up.
While it’s fair to give the Lakers some grace in this tough time, what won’t is the NBA schedule that has them playing the OKC Thunder next. Yes, the same Thunder team that demolished them by 43 points only days ago.
What was supposed to be an opportunity for the Lakers to respond to their most embarrassing defeat of the season turned out to be the worst possible situation for them with two of their best players down while LeBron James is now listed as questionable.
But even if their big three were playing, the Lakers are considered heavy underdogs against the Thunder. That’s why it’s easy to say that this is pretty much a loss unless a miracle happens. The least the Lakers can do is attempt not to get blown out by 43 points or more again on their home floor.
For that to happen, they have to keep up with OKC from the get-go. The biggest reason why the Lakers lost against the Thunder was that they didn’t start strong. The Thunder are the type of opponent who will make you pay for your mistakes, and the fewer L.A. makes them in this rematch, the better.
Who knows? Maybe the Lakers pull off the impossible and defy all odds again like they’ve been doing all season. Let’s see if the purple and gold can pull off the most surprising victory of the season on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) are out.
- LeBron James (left foot injury management) is questionable.
- As for the Thunder, only Thomas Sorber (ACL surgery) and Jalen Williams (right hamstring) are out.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
